What are Search Committees Looking For 1.1 2008/02/15 14:53:51.664 US/Central 2008/02/15 15:03:27.904 US/Central Rice ADVANCE advance1@rice.edu Rice ADVANCE advance1@rice.edu Naveen Yadav naveen.yadav@rice.edu Applications Applying Research This is a reproduction of a power point presentation given at the Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position Workshop on October 14-16, 2007. This presentation was compiled by Seiichi Matsuda, Chemistry; Kathy Ensor, Statistics; Joff Silberg, Biochemistry; Jennifer West, Bioengineering; and Ken Whitmire, Chemistry.
Applying for a Position “Cold” applicationsUsually need to have connections to the department Responding to an advertisementConsider level and areas requested Solicited applicationsBe sure to present at the most relevant conferences. Hopefully this visibility will lead to contacts with hiring departments
The Application Cover letterSummarize your qualifications and interests Curriculum VitaeAcademic credentialsResearch experiencePublicationsHonors, awards, grants, etc. Research interests statement Teaching interests statement References May include reprints/preprints -Some variability in details and format between fields. -Get feedback on your application package from a mentor.
Research Statement Remember that the search committee members may be in areas peripheral to your research Describe two or three research proposalsUsually one that is related to your prior work that is clearly feasibleOne or two projects that demonstrate your ability to think beyond your current work
What to Include Statement about the problemKey unanswered questions in fieldHow will your work contribute? Description of research plansBreak into specific aimsInclude figuresBe both creative and realistic
Teaching Statement Describe your philosophy towards teaching and experiences that led to this Discuss courses within the core curriculum that you could teach Propose development of a new course
What to Emphasize in your Application Find out about the department/schoolImportance of teaching vs. researchAreas of interest/growth May want to customize your application materials for different positions Brag about your successes!
What is Makes an Application Stand Out Varies between departments/institutions Strong publication recordMost important factor! Exciting research planCreative and innovative while also feasible Great reference lettersEvidence of innovation, creativity, hard work, etc. Interesting and innovative teaching plansHighlight your experiences and capabilities Other experiencesExperience writing a grant, etc.
Recommended Reading Making the Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New FacultyHoward Hughes Medical Institute At the Helm: A Laboratory NavigatorKathy Barker, Cold Spring Harbor Press
Compiled by Rice ADVANCE Seiichi Matsuda, Chemistry Kathy Ensor, Statistics Joff Silberg, Biochemistry Jennifer West, Bioengineering Ken Whitmire, Chemistry